Display device



Sept. 29, 1936. F H RASMUSSEN 2,055,910

DISPLAY DEVICE Filed May 7, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 29, 1936. n F, H, 'RAsMussEN 2,055,910

y DISPLAY DEVICE Filed May 7, 1934 4 Sheets-Shea?I 2 Sept. 29, 1936. F, H RASMUSSEN 2,055,910

DISPLAY DEVICE Filed May '7, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Sept 29, 1935- F. H. RAsMUssl-:N 2,055,910

I DISPLAY DEVICE y Filed May 7, 1954 4 'sheets-sheet 4 Patented Sept. 29, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE DISPLAY DEVICE Frank H. Rasmussen, Chicago, Ill., assigner to Magill-Weinsheimer Company, Chicago, Ill.,l a

corporation of Illinois .Application May 7, 1934, Serial No.`72'4,2v48 11 Claims. (Cl. 40+126) observer.

More particularly itis an objectof the invention to provide a novel means forvsimulating to a highdegree of reality the flow or movement ofafiluid'or .for'simulating a flame.

Another-object is to effect such simulationlof action by asimple, `inexpensive device which is not subject to become-outof order, and 'which is not costly to operate.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the 4following Vdetailed'description taken 'in connection with the `accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational 'view of an advertising display -deviceembodying the features of the invention and simulating the 'iloW-of a transparent iluid such as water.

Fig. 2 vis anenlarged fragmental, vertical sectional view `of the device shown in Fig. 1, taken approximately along -the vertical center line and looking from the right in that figure.

Fig. 3 is a sectional-view `taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1. y l

Fig. 4 is a front elevational View of the advertising display device of Fig. 41 showing a modified arrangement of the construction.

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional vview taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. v6 is a front elevational view of a modified form of display device in which aA somewhat opaque fluid, such as smoke, is simulated.

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional View of the device shown in Fig. 4, taken approximately along the center 'line and looking from the right in that gure. ,n

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the rotary element of the heat motor.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary View of a modied form of rotating element. v

Fig. 10 is a front elevational View of a modified form of displaydevice in which a flame, such as that -of a Bunsen burner, is simulated.

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view taken along line III-I0 lof Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of another modified form of rotating element.

While the display device forming the lsubject effective in attractingv the attention of "a passerby, it includes an action scene and particularly of the invention' is capable of modification to adapt -it for a variety of different'conditions and uses without departing from the'spirit and scope 'of the invention as defined by the appended claims, `it is, for purposes of disclosure, here .5 shown vand will be described hereinafter as embodied in a display designed for use in a store window. Y

To render the advertising display unusually simulates action that could not actually take place under the circumstances, thereby arousing the curiosity -of the .passerby and Vcausing prolonged and carefulvobservation, and a Vivid a impression of the display. The action simulated may take -a variety of forms and lmay be that of various objects. Herein, by Way of illustration, the action simulated is the ilow of movement rof a fluid and the reproduction kof a flame. This is effected-by modifying in a predetermined manner-and in repeated succession the light rays lreachingthe observer from the display device.

In Figs. l to 5 of the drawings, theinvention is illustrated as embodied in' a display device in 25 which modication of the light rays `for the purpose of simulating action is effected in large part by reiection. The display comprises a front, vertical panel IIl supported in upright position by spaced parallel plates Il and I2 secured to the rear of the panel and extending perpendicularly thereto.` Also secured to the rear of the panel 10 and partially supported by the plates II and I2, cut away at their front edges to receive it, is an elongated, arcuate plate I3. The plate I3 extends over the upper portion of the panel I0 and with a cover I4 completes the body structure of the display device.

The lower portion of the Vpanel I0 is adapted to carry advertising matter, while the upper portion 40 is formed with a large opening I5 through which the action scene is visible. In the present instance, the action simulated is that of irregularly flowing water. To heighten the illusion, a faucet I6 is mounted to be visible through the 45 opening I5.

As previously stated the simulation of action is effected by modifying in repeated succession light rays from the display device. Preferably the light rays originate in the display device itself. Accordingly an electric light bulb 20 is located rearwardly of the panel I0 and below the arcuate plate I 3 so that the rays from the bulb may -pass upwardly through the open lower end ofthe arcuate plate and the opening' I5. The bulb 20, how- 55 ever, is not visible by an observer of the display and is conveniently supported in a two-way socket 2| mounted on the side plate I I.

Positioned where it is visible through the opening I5, is an elongated reflecting member 22 for modifying the rays of the bulb 20 to simulate water flowing in an irregular and perturbed stream from the faucet I6. In order that the simulated stream may be transparent, as is a stream of water, the member 22 is of open construction comped of a plurality of polished wires 23 each bent into a helix. Herein four wires are employed secured together at their ends and twisted in pairs like a left-hand thread, the pairs being approximately 180 apart.

To modify the light rays in repeated succession, the member 22 is rotated and for that purpose has an engagement with the end of a shaft 21 of an electric motor 28. It will be seen that during each revolution of the member 22 each convolution of each wire will be struck by the light rays at a constantly varying angle, and thus modify the rays in a constantly varying but definite manner. This definite variation is repeated with each revolution of the member. Preferably the member 22 is rotated at approximately 60 R. P. M. With the member thus rotated in the rays of the light 20, the polished helical wires simulate the flow of water in a striking manner. The convolutions of the rotating wires produce a wavy, pulsating effect which is present in the perturbed flow of water from a faucet. The gleam of lightstruck water also is present, and the speed of rotation is slow enough to maintain a transparent appearance of the stream.

In Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, the faucet I6 is shown mounted on the arcuate plate I3 and may be secured simply by projecting a threaded nipple I1 of the faucet through the plate I3 and clamping the plate between a shoulder I8 on the faucet and a nut I9 threaded onto the nipple. For supporting the member 22 one of the wires composing the member projects beyond the upper end thereof` to form a shaft 24 journaled in a disk 25 wedged in the mouth of the faucet I6. At its lower end the member 22 carries a recessed clip 26 which rests upon and frictionally engages the end of the shaft 21 of the motor 28 which is here mounted below the lower edge of the opening I5 on a cross member 29 secured in the plates I I and I2. The motor may be of any well known construction operating on 110 volts and is electrically connected to a source of energy through the socket 2 I.

Figures 4 and 5 show a modified arrangement of the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 3. In Figs. 4 and 5 the faucet I6 is of a type, such as a soda dispensing nozzle, having a large chamber within it and is suspended from the cover I4 by cords 55. Housed within the faucet I6 is the motor 28 disposed with its shaft 21 concentric of the nozzle I6 of the faucet for connection with the upper end of the member 22 which extends into the nozzle. 'Ihe lower end of the member 22 is preferably journaled in a bracket 56 secured to the panel I0. With the faucet suspended in mid air, an observer can see that there is no connection to a source of supply and thus the display arouses a great deal of curiosity and prolonged observation in an attempt to discover how the eiTect is produced.

In the form of display device shown in Figs. 6 to 9, modification of the light rays is effected by interruption or interception of the rays. More particularly rising smoke is simulated for the purpose of advertising cigarettes or the like. The body of the display device is formed by a casing 30 having a front vertical panel with an upper portion 3I offset rearwardly from the lower portion 32. Top, rear and side walls 33, 34 and 35, respectively, complete the casing. Apertures 35 are formed in the rear and top wall to permit flow of air through the casing and the lower panel portion 32 carries a figure 31 holding what appears to be a lighted cigarette 38. The lighted end of the cigarette is preferably in the plane of the portion 3I for a reason that will appear presently.

The upper panel portion 3| is formed with two openings 39 and 40, the latter being opposite the i cigarette 38. To simulate smoke rising from the cigarette 38, the opening 4U is covered with a sheet 4I of translucent paper. Placed directly back of the opening is an electric light bulb 42, the rays of which are diffused by the translucent paper 4I, and interposed between the bulb 42 and the sheet 4I is an elongated, vertical, light-modifying member. This member is opaque in order to intercept the rays from the bulb 42 and is positioned so that its shadow is in vertical alinement with the end of the cigarette.

Herein the member is a cardboard strip 4.3 twisted to form a screw or vane, the edges of which are helical. 'Ihe strip 43 is equipped at its upper end with a shaft 44 journaled in the top wall 33, and at its lower end, with a shaft 45 engaging a motor 46 for rotating the strip. Here again it will be seen that during each revolution of the strip 43 the shadow 'cast thereby on the sheet 4I will vary and that the same variation is repeated with successive revolutions. The twisted vane shape of the strip causes the shadow to expand and contract, thus simulating the wavy movement of smoke, while the translucent sheet blurs the shadow to give the bluish-grey color of smoke.

The bulb 42 is mounted on a cross member 41 and the motor 46 is likewise mounted on a member 48. The motor 46 is here shown as a heat motor of the type in which the heat from an electric bulb 49 causes rising air currents which act upon a rotatably mounted plate 50 formed with radial vanes 5 I. At its center the plate carries a hub 52 encircled by a ring 53 formed on the lower end of the shaft 45.

Figures l0 and 11 show another form of display device in which modification of light rays by reflection is employed to simulate action, the construction herein being such that a flame, such as the blue flame of a Bunsen burner, is simulated. The body of the display device may take any form and is herein shown generally similar to that of Figs. 6 and '1 having a front panel 51 with a circular aperture 58 therein and top, rear and side walls 59, 60, and 6I respectively. Apertures 62 may be formed in the top and rear walls to permit a flow of air through the body.

As previously stated the simulation of action is effected by modifying in repeated succession light rays from the display device, reiiection of the rays being here employed. Preferably the light rays originate within the display device. Accordingly an electric light bulb 63 is located rearwardly of the panel 51 and below the circular opening 58 so that the rays may pass upwardly through the opening but so that the bulb is at least partially hidden from the view of an observer of the display device.

Positioned where it is visible through the opening 58 is the reflecting member 64 which, for the cpurposeof simulating fa Bunsen rburnerflame,has

the'general shape vof an inverted plumb-bob. 'The member `ili'is of openconstruction composedof a plurality of wires 65, six beinghere showmsecured together at their ends and divergingf-rapidly radially outwardly and laterally from the base of the member .and then converging gradually toapoint, eachwirebeing bentinto Yarsinuous shape in the surface of the member. The wires are 'covered with a blue glazed enamel of 4the Vshade of the Bunsenburner flame. At the upper end, yone of the wires projects to form ashaft 166 ljournaled Yin a bracket 61 mounted on'the rear 'of 'the panel 51 while at the lower end Athe 'wires'65 `are-secured together and supported in atube'EB.

The member 65 may be rotated by any means such as the heat/,motorl 69 .shown herein. The motor comprises a heat vsource such as a'b'ulb l0 positioned below a rotary, air current driven element ll formed at its center with 'a hub 12 received within the tube 68. The tube 68.is of a diameter approximately that of an average v.sized Bunsen burner and of a length such 'that the upper end projects a short distance 'above the lower edge of the opening 58 so that'the'source of the simulated name is visible to. an observer of the display.

Rotation of the'member '65 by theh'eat Amotor 69 will cause the rays from the light 63 to be modified in predetermined succession which with the bluish hue added by the coloring of the wires, results ina striking resemblance of the blue llame of a'Bunsen burner.

It is believed apparentfrom'the foregoing description that the .invention is not limited to the simulation of water, smoke or fiame, but may be modied to simulate numerous things. This may be done readily by interchanging the cardboard strip 43 for the wire members 22 or 65, or by substituting a member of different shape or construction. In Fig. 9 there is illustrated a rotating element 54 which is twisted in form similar to the strip 43. An element such as 54 may be of metal or other material and either polished o-r colored, the exterior surface being properly selected so as to simulate the desired fluid. For example, when such an element is used in the manner shown in Figs. 1 to 3, it may be enameled white to to give a simulation of milk.

The invention lends itself readily to different forms and uses, it being readily apparent that by rotating an element such as 22, in Figs. 1 to 3, in one direction it will give an effect of water running out of the faucet, whereas if rotated in the opposite direction it will give the effect of a fluid moving upwardly. Thus, in the embodiments illustrated herein, the rotating elements in the forms shown in Figs. 1 to 5 would be rotated in the opposite direction from that shown in Figs. 6, 7, l0 and 1l.

Fig. 12 shows a modified form of rotating element which may be constructed in a highly economical manner. The element comprises simply a narrow strip 13 of any desired material given a sinuous wave. A rod 'I4 is preferably threaded through the strip to provide support therefor should it be of a material without suicient rigidity to support itself.

I claim as my invention:

l. An advertising display device including an action simulating scene comprising a panel for carrying advertising matter, said panel having an opening therein, a source of light located rearwardly of said panel, an object representing the source of the action simulated disposed rearrwardl-y'of said panel-'and infront of lsa'i'disource Vofli'ght, a'n'd amember having a'successively refpeated-uniform1movement positioned rearwardly of the panel and between the source --of 'light and the 4'observer ofl 'the-display to modify in a -predetermined manner the light from said source reaching the observer,one-end of said member engaging-said 'object so that the simulated action appears to emanate from the object representing v'the'so-urce of fthe-action.

In an advertising display', means for'simu- `'lating an action scene comprising a source of light'concealled from the observer ofthe display @device 'anda rotary plural wire member of open *construction 'exposed to thedrect view of the observer ofthe display device and interposed 'between the source-of light and the observer of the "display device operating to modify in a vsuccessively repeatedjmann'er the rays of light from `s'aidsource reaching ythe observer.

3. An advertising display device simulating the fiow of a colorless, transparent liquid comprising Ia vfront panel for carrying advertising matter, a source of vlight positioned rearwardly of the panel Aand lconcealed from the observer of the 'display device, la plurality of highly polished wires each bent in 'the form of 1a helix and united `to form a unitary member, said member being exposed *to-the light source and to the View of the observer', and means rotating said member about 'the axis' of the helix.

4; An advertising display device simulating the virregular :now of water comprising a front panel for carrying advertising matter, a faucet v1exposed -to fthe'yiewof the observer of the display device, Aa source of light-concealed from the observer, a vertically disposed rotatable member journaled at its upper end in the mouth of said faucet and composed of a plurality of polished wires bent into the form of a helix, said member being exposed to said source of light and to the View of the observer, and means also concealed from the observer for rotating said member.

5. An advertising 4display device for advertising cigarettes comprising a front panel having an opening therein, advertising matter carried by said panel including the representation of a lighted cigarette with the lighted end positioned near the plane of the opening in the panel, a translucent sheet of material mounted over said opening, a source of light positioned in back of said sheet, an elongated strip of opaque material twisted to form a helix and mounted in vertical position intermediate said light and said sheet so that the shadow of the strip is in alinement with the end of the cigarette, and means for rotating the strip.

6. An advertising display -device including means simulating a Bunsen burner ilame comprising a front panel for carrying advertising matter, said panel having an aperture therethrough, a sour-ce of light positioned rearwardly of the panel and concealed from an observer of the display device, a reecting member positioned to be viewed through the aperture in the panel and exposed to the light Source, said member being composed of a plurality of wires of bluish hue secured together at their ends and bent to outline a member of generally plumb-bob shape disposed with the point upward, a tube resembling a burner supporting the member and projecting into the aperture, and means for rotating said member about its axis.

'7. An advertising display -device simulating a Bunsen burner flame comprising a front panel for carrying advertising matter, a source of light positioned rearwardly of the panel and concealed from the observer of the display device, a plurality of reflecting wires secured together at their ends and bent to form a member having a general plumb-bob shape, said member being exposed to the light source and to the view of the observer, and means rotating said member about its axis.

8. An advertising display device including an action scene simulating a flame or owing fluid comprising a panel for carrying advertising matter having an unobstructed opening therein, a source of light located rearwardly of said panel, an object representing the source of the action simulated clearly visible through the opening, and an open construction reflecting member clearly visible through the opening having a successively repeated movement and interposed between the source of light and an observer of the display to modify in a predetermined manner the light reaching the observer, said light being disposed outwardly of the opening in a plane passing through the axis of the member and at right angles to the panel and said member being positioned so that the simulated action appears to emanate from the object representing the source.

9. An advertising display device comprising a supporting structure including a front vertical panel having an aperture therethrough and means simulating the ow of water comprising a faucet suspended rearwardly of the panel in a position to be Viewed through the aperture, a motor housed in the faucet, a rotatable reecting member composed of a plurality of polished wires projecting from the faucet, said member being connected to said motor to be rotated thereby, and a light source located rearwardly of the panel out of the line of vision of an observer of the display and illuminating the reilecting member.

10. An advertising display device simulating an action scene comprising a front panel for carrying advertising matter, said panel having an opening therein, a source of light located rearwardly of said panel to one side of the opening therein so that no direct rays from said source reach the observer of the display device, and a member positioned behind and visible through the opening interposed between the source of light and the observer of the display device modifying in a successively repeated manner the rays of light from said source striking said member and visible to the observer.

11. An advertising display device simulating the flow or movement of a fluid comprising a front panel for carrying advertising matter, said panel having an opening therein transmitting light of the same color over its entire area, a source of light located rearwardly of said panel, an object representing the source of the fluid simulated, and a rotating member having an irregular outline interposed between the source of light and the observer of the display to modify the rays of light emanating from said source and striking said member, said member being located rearwardly of the panel and positioned so as to appear as emanating from the object representing the source of fluid.

FRANK H. RASMUSSEN. 

